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"Panyakas",
the name given to Chiang Mai University's Staff Residence, is a portmanteau of
two Thai words: panya,
meaning local wisdom, and akas,
meaning weather or atmosphere. Together they capture the essence of a place
shaped by its environment and the knowledge of those who inhabit it.
Local
wisdom informs every layer of the design, from the masterplan and spatial
layout to the choice of materials and detailing, ensuring the development
responds naturally to its surroundings and creates a genuinely pleasant
atmosphere for residents. Existing wetlands have been thoughtfully improved
into a waterway, reservoir, and recreational area. Generous open spaces between
buildings are anchored by an expansive Bodhi tree, providing a natural focal
point around which residents gather and daily life unfolds.
Walkways
along the main axis shared with the adjacent Northern Science Park weave the
residence into the wider campus fabric, strengthening connections between the
university community and the surrounding neighbourhood. Married and unmarried
staff are accommodated in separate clusters, with a shared clubhouse positioned
at the best spot by the reservoir, framing views of the mountains and the
venerable Bodhi tree beyond.
Aviation navigation height restrictions are embraced rather than resisted, keeping the
buildings low and preserving most of the site's existing trees to maintain a
generous green canopy. Units are split and staggered to encourage
cross-ventilation and natural light, reducing the apparent scale of the
buildings and giving the development the relaxed character of a cluster of row
houses rather than a single monolithic structure.
Panyakas
is a convivial place, where residents find a true sense of belonging within an
atmosphere of better living.
In 1980, Prabhakorn received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Chulalongkorn University. He continued his education at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC, where he graduated with a Master of Architecture degree in 1984. Whilst in Washington DC, Prabhakorn worked at Robert Schwinn & Associates in Maryland before returning to Thailand and joining A49 in 1985. At A49, he has been responsible for a wide range of projects ranging from mega complexes and high-rise buildings to houses. Most of these are located in Thailand, whilst others are located in other countries in the region, including: China, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. His work has also extended outside that region, for example, to the United Arab Emirates and India. All add breadth to the A49 portfolio of work. His main role has been to establish major policies, design concepts and strategic planning initiatives. He was appointed as President of Architects49 Phuket in 2005 and President of Architects49 International in 2006.
Prabhakorn actively served the Association of Siamese Architects (ASA) as its Head of Public Relations from 1992 to 1994, as its Vice President of Foreign Affairs from 1995 to 1997, and as the President of ASA during 2002-2004. He has also participated in many subcommittees for both the ASA and the Architect Council of Thailand (ACT). He is an active Council Member of the ACT, with his present duties for them extending into 2018. He has been an Honorary member of the Japan Institute of Architects (JIA) since 2003.
Prabhakorn has been a key member of A49 since its foundation, and has the honour of being trusted by Nithi Sthapitanonda (the Founder of A49) to be President and Managing Director of 49Group.
In 1980, Prabhakorn received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Chulalongkorn University. He continued his education at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC, where he graduated with a Master of Architecture degree in 1984. Whilst in Washington DC, Prabhakorn worked at Robert Schwinn & Associates in Maryland before returning to Thailand and joining A49 in 1985. At A49, he has been responsible for a wide range of projects ranging from mega complexes and high-rise buildings to houses. Most of these are located in Thailand, whilst others are located in other countries in the region, including: China, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. His work has also extended outside that region, for example, to the United Arab Emirates and India. All add breadth to the A49 portfolio of work. His main role has been to establish major policies, design concepts and strategic planning initiatives. He was appointed as President of Architects49 Phuket in 2005 and President of Architects49 International in 2006.
Prabhakorn actively served the Association of Siamese Architects (ASA) as its Head of Public Relations from 1992 to 1994, as its Vice President of Foreign Affairs from 1995 to 1997, and as the President of ASA during 2002-2004. He has also participated in many subcommittees for both the ASA and the Architect Council of Thailand (ACT). He is an active Council Member of the ACT, with his present duties for them extending into 2018. He has been an Honorary member of the Japan Institute of Architects (JIA) since 2003.
Prabhakorn has been a key member of A49 since its foundation, and has the honour of being trusted by Nithi Sthapitanonda (the Founder of A49) to be President and Managing Director of 49Group.
In collaboration with Landscape Architects 49, we have extensive experience in master planning and urban design. We have worked for both government and private sectors from large urban development to planning of new university campus.
